NIVI welcomes Executive Director and CEO to lead novel vaccine research and development initiative

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Initiative for Vaccines and Immunity (NIVI), based partly at the University of Copenhagen, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nicholas Jackson as its new ED/CEO.

Nicholas Jackson brings over 25 years of experience in infectious diseases, vaccines, immunotherapeutics, research and development, and industry, making him the ideal candidate to lead NIVI on its journey towards groundbreaking discoveries and innovative development. The appointment is an important moment in the initiative's journey towards revolutionizing vaccine development and combating respiratory infections.

Dean of the University of Copenhagen, Professor Bente Merete Stallknecht, is delighted with Nicholas Jackson’s capability to create and understand the dynamics of basic research while translating them to clinical use.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jackson to lead NIVI. His extensive experience and proven track record in vaccine development makes him the perfect fit to bridge the scientific research efforts of NIVI with its clinical development aspirations. We look forward to his leadership in advancing our collaborative efforts,” she says.

NIVI is composed of two distinct entities: the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Vaccines and Immunity (NCVI), a state-of-the-art academic research center anchored at the University of Copenhagen, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Vaccine Accelerator (NVAC), a company owned by the Novo Nordisk Foundation to advance translational sciences and the development of novel vaccines. Nicholas Jackson will hold a dual appointment as both the Executive Director of NCVI and the CEO of NVAC.

NCVI is anchored in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Copenhagen. Head of Department, Professor Charlotte Bonefeld, underlines the international perspectives of the ED/CEO appointment.

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr. Jackson to our Department as the Executive Director and CEO of NIVI. With an impressive track record and expertise in innovation and the vaccine development field, Nick brings a unique international perspective, and I am certain that Nick will be a tremendous asset to our department and drive forward NIVI’s ambitious goals,” she says.

Dual appointment to ensure strong coordination between research and clinical development

Dr Jackson has a scientific background in infectious disease immunology and molecular biology with a Master of Science from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and a doctorate from the University of Warwick. He has held leadership positions at esteemed R&D organizations including GSK, Pfizer, Sanofi and Clover Biopharmaceuticals, where he has led global vaccine programs resulting in the licensure of several products. Nicholas Jackson has also worked in public health at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI).

“Lower respiratory infections remain the world's most deadly communicable disease and are ranked the fourth leading cause of mortality. At NIVI, I am proud to lead a paradigm shift in the application of an improved understanding of airway immunity to the development of new vaccines,” says Dr. Jackson.

His leadership will play an important role in NIVI's mission to advance the understanding of systemic and airway immunity and develop vaccines that offer comprehensive protection against respiratory pathogens such as influenza, tuberculosis, and Group A Streptococcus. By merging expertise and ensuring synergy between NCVI and NVAC, Dr. Nicholas Jackson aims to advance the translation of innovative research into development for tangible public health solutions.

Within the initiative, NCVI will be responsible for research and education, while NVAC will facilitate rapid development of new vaccine candidates by accelerating the translation of the centre’s research results into phase 1 and 2 clinical studies. NVAC will also lead robust development plans that ensure efficient handover to a partner for late development. Thus, NIVI will bridge the divisions between basic science, innovation, clinical application, regulatory considerations and development.

By spearheading NIVI, Dr. Jackson will ensure strong coordination between research and development, ultimately accelerating the delivery of life-saving vaccines.

Peter Lawætz Andersen, Senior Vice President and Head of Infectious Diseases at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, remarks:

“I believe that Nicholas Jackson’s extensive leadership experience, interpersonal skills, strategic vision, and proven track record align perfectly with the vision for NIVI, and will ensure that NIVI will become an internationally recognized translational research center,” he says.